Sanguino

The Sanguino is an open-source single-board microcontroller based on the Atmel ATmega644P or ATmega1284P microcontroller. It is designed to be a low-cost alternative to the Arduino, while offering more memory and I/O pins. The Sanguino is often used in 3D printers, CNC machines, and other embedded projects that require more processing power and connectivity than can be provided by smaller microcontrollers.

Overview

The Sanguino was initially developed within the RepRap community as a way to improve upon the capabilities of the Arduino platform for controlling RepRap 3D printers. It provides a larger number of input/output (I/O) pins, more SRAM, and more flash memory compared to typical Arduino boards like the Arduino Uno. This allows for more complex programs and the ability to control more peripherals simultaneously.

Key Features

• Microcontroller: Typically uses either the ATmega644P or ATmega1284P. These microcontrollers feature more flash memory, SRAM, and EEPROM than many common Arduino-compatible boards.

• I/O Pins: Offers a greater number of digital I/O pins and analog input pins, allowing for more extensive connection to sensors, actuators, and other external devices.

• Memory: The increased SRAM and flash memory allows for larger and more complex sketches to be run directly on the board.

• Open-Source Hardware: The design files (schematics, PCB layouts, and Bill of Materials) are publicly available, allowing users to build, modify, and distribute their own Sanguino boards.

• Arduino IDE Compatibility: The Sanguino can be programmed using the Arduino IDE with the addition of board support files. This allows users familiar with the Arduino environment to easily transition to the Sanguino.

Applications

Due to its enhanced capabilities, the Sanguino is commonly used in:

• 3D Printers: Controlling stepper motors, heaters, sensors, and displays.
• CNC Machines: Driving motors, reading encoders, and controlling spindle speed.
• Robotics: Implementing complex control algorithms and interfacing with a variety of sensors and actuators.
• Other Embedded Projects: Where significant processing power and I/O are required.

Programming

The Sanguino is typically programmed using the Arduino IDE, although other AVR development tools can also be used. To use the Arduino IDE, board definitions for the Sanguino must be installed. These definitions provide the necessary information for the IDE to compile and upload code to the Sanguino.

Variations

Several variations of the Sanguino exist, often differing in specific features such as the choice of microcontroller, the inclusion of specific connectors, or the arrangement of I/O pins. The core design principles remain the same across these variations.